Cruise enthusiasts eager to visit Greece’s “Emerald Island” of Corfu in 2025 will be disappointed to learn that Norwegian Epic, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), will no longer make port calls there.
This marks the second consecutive year that the popular Ionian island will be skipped by the 155,873-gross-ton ship.
Instead of Corfu, Norwegian Epic will now visit other Greek ports, such as Katakolon (the gateway to ancient Olympia) and Argostoli (the charming seaside capital of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands). These changes are part of an itinerary revision that includes rearranged calls at popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
For example, Mykonos, originally scheduled for a 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. stop, has been shifted to a 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. window. Similarly, the Santorini call has been adjusted from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing travellers to experience the island at a different time of day.
Changes Spark Concern, but NCL Prioritizes Guest Experience
The removal of Corfu from the Norwegian Epic's 2025 Mediterranean season, affecting 17 voyages between May 14 and October 21, has already stirred a mix of reactions online. As passengers shared their concerns on social media, NCL reassured affected guests via official notices, emphasizing that the changes were made with their comfort and enjoyment in mind.
“We recognise the importance that destinations play in our guests’ vacation planning and decision-making process,” NCL wrote in a letter to passengers. “While changes may arise, please rest assured that we are always working hard to provide you with a smooth and enjoyable journey.”
As part of the modifications, excursions booked through NCL for Corfu have been automatically cancelled, and a full refund has been issued. For guests with affected excursions, adjustments to the time or date have been made where applicable. At the same time, those with independent bookings are advised to contact their providers to make necessary changes.
New Restrictions in Greece Likely a Factor
While NCL did not directly cite a specific reason for dropping Corfu, the Greek government's recent implementation of new fees and restrictions for cruise ships likely played a role. Starting in December 2024, Greece introduced a €20 fee for all cruise ship passengers visiting popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, with smaller fees (like €5) being charged in ports such as Rhodes and Crete. Additionally, the government has announced plans to limit the number of ships allowed to dock at these busy ports during the peak tourist season (May through October) and introduce higher docking fees, along with a digital berth allocation system to spread out arrivals throughout the day.
Corfu, which saw a record 815,000 cruise passengers in 2024, was included in these new regulations. Passengers sailing on Norwegian Epic would have previously been required to pay €45 to disembark in Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos during a 9- to 11-day voyage. With the new adjustments to the itinerary, Norwegian Epic will instead make stops in Katakolon, Argostoli, and other destinations, including the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the French port city of Cannes.
Revised Itineraries and New Ports of Call
Norwegian Epic’s revised Mediterranean itinerary now includes a 10-night sailing round-trip from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. This new schedule will feature stops in Santorini, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Katakolon, Malta, Messina (Sicily), and either Naples or Livorno (Florence/Pisa) in Italy.
From August 2025, the ship will replace Mykonos, Katakolon, and Naples with stops in Argostoli and Cannes, France. On a separate nine-night voyage, the ship will also be called in Iraklion (Crete) instead of Athens.
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